Rewarded
At the time that God appointed Aaron to be the High Priest and instructed that his sons and all the generations that were to be born to them henceforth were to be Priests, Aaron had only…
With Zeal
Make Judaism a vibrant and important part of your life. It is interesting to note that in this week’s Torah reading, Pinchas is identified as a descendant of Aaron the High Priest. His…
Jewish Judo
With the summer Olympics set to begin in Paris, Jewish Treats takes a look at how judo became an Olympic women’s sport. If you have tuned into the Olympic games in the past, you have…
God-Given Talent
If you plan to watch the upcoming Olympic Games taking place in Paris, take a moment and contemplate the incredible abilities God gave to these extraordinary athletes to be able to…
The Hebrew University
Since its first official overseas program in 1955, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem has attracted thousands of young Jewish adults from both North America and Europe. Hebrew University…
Higher Education
Marvel at the growth of Hebrew University from its humble beginnings, almost 100 years ago on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem, to become one of the largest universities in Israel.
Smashing the Tablets
The sages declare that five tragedies occurred on the Seventeenth of Tammuz, today's date which we observe as a fast day. Days of what we might now call “bad karma” (on which bad things…
The Three Weeks
The fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz which is today, is the beginning of a period known as The Three Weeks when we mourn the national tragedies that befell the Jewish people throughout…
Pinchas 5784-2024
"Whatever Became of the Sons of Korach” (updated and revised from Pinchas 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pinchas, opens with the Al-mighty’s…
Chosen To Write
In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with an angel and emerged with a new name, Israel, “He who struggles.” In the 20th-21st century, Western Jews spend a great amount of energy wrestling with…
People of the Book
Set aside time to enjoy a book with a Jewish theme or explore the ever-growing world of Jewish publishing houses and choose a topic and title that speaks to you.
Written for Their Sons
Imagine traveling forward 500 years in time and discovering multitudes of people studying something you had written for your child. Imagine walking into a bookstore and finding multiple…
Plan Ahead
In addition to sumptuous food and playing with friends, it behooves those responsible for children to identify spiritual pursuits for children as well, be they prayers, or Torah study.…
Get Out
The history of the Jews in Europe can almost be read as a timeline of expulsions. At one time or another, Jews have either been expelled from, or prohibited to settle in, almost every…
Know Your Jewish History
Given the many expulsions that Jews suffered throughout the millennia, recognize how fortunate we are today to be able to live freely and practice our Jewish faith in many countries.
A Day to Firgun
In the age of the internet there seem to be an incredible number of new “holidays.” This coming week alone we “celebrate” National Caviar Day (18th), Moonday (20th) and National Junk Food…
Good Eye
To "firgun" means to take pride in the accomplishment of someone else without jealousy. Seeing someone in a more positive light, will likely make you feel better too!
Yiddish in Shanghai
During World War II, Japanese-occupied Shanghai, China became a haven for Jewish refugees, most notably the students of the Mirrer Yeshiva. After the “Battle of Shanghai” in 1937, the…
Jewish Travel
If planning a future trip to the area, be certain to learn more about the Jewish refugees of Europe including some 400 students from the Mirrer Yeshiva, who, despite difficult and trying…
Balak 5784-2024
“Bilaam, Prophet to the Nations” (updated and revised from Balak 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The Jews and their philosophers have long been troubled by the concept of the…
Gummi Worms, Gelatin and Jews
Today is Gummi Worm Day, celebrating the popular sweet and sour candy, which was created by the German confectionary company, Trolli. Gummy Bears were created in 1922 by another German…
Is it Kosher?
Marrying the ancient kosher laws with modern day food technology and trends has made possible many different cuisines that the kosher consumer can now enjoy. Do you like Mexican food? Try…
Miraculous Water
Human beings have several basic needs: food, water and protection from the elements. In the desert, these necessities can be difficult to come by. During the Children of Israel’s sojourn…
Thanks for the Water
Before enjoying a glass of cold water, say the blessing: Ba'ruch Ah'tah Ah'doh'nai Eh'lo'hay'nu Melech ha'o'lam sheh'ha'kohl nee'h'yeh bid'varo. (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of…
Magen David Adom
The opportunity to save a life (hatzalat nefashot) is one of those unique events that may never occur in a person’s lifetime. Today, Jewish Treats salutes those who often risk life and…
Save a Life
If you are able, train to become an EMT or paramedic, and if your local Jewish community has an organized Hatzalah, an organization that offers life-saving services in communities in the…
Here Kitty Kitty
While today the two most common types of house pets are cats and dogs, the sages of the Talmud questioned the issue of safety regarding the ownership of these animals. In general, most…
The Rebbe
Jews worldwide observe the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory, on the 3rd of Tammuz, which is observed…
Just One Mitzvah
If there's any universal message the Chabad movement would want transmitted in memory of the Seventh Rebbe, it would be to perform mitzvot (good deeds) and connect Jewishly.